Favorite music: My favorite music changes all the time but right now I'm loving Ryan Adams, Ray LaMontagne, Kid Cudi, and, of course, Bon Iver.

Favorite quote: "The supreme prayer of my heart is not to be learned, rich, famous, powerful, or "good," but simply to be radiant. I desire to radiate health, cheerfulness, calm courage, and good will. I wish to live without hate, whim, jealousy, envy, fear. I wish to be simple, honest, frank, natural, clean in mind and clean in body, unaffected -– as ready to say "I do not know," if it be so, and to meet all men on an absolute equality -– to face any obstacle and meet every difficulty unabashed and unafraid. I wish others to live their lives, too -– up to their highest, fullest, and best. To that end I pray that I may never meddle, interfere, dictate, give advice that is not wanted, or assist when my services are not needed. If I can help people, I'll do it by giving them a chance to help themselves; and if I can uplift or inspire, let it be by example, inference, and suggestion, rather than by injunction and dictation. That is to say, I desire to be radiant -- to radiate life." -– Elbert Hubbard

Favorite thing about Whitworth: At Whitworth, there is a simplicity and honesty in relationships that cannot be rivaled. The students, faculty and staff who come to Whitworth seem to have a great sense of who they are, who they want to be, and who they want to join them on their journey. This clarity and sincerity that I have found in my relationships at Whitworth is something that I will always remember as the thing I love most about it.

Favorite residence hall: Baldwin-Jenkins, definitely. BJ brings energy that can only come from an all-freshman dorm. It is possibly the best place on campus.

I like my major because... it challenges me in ways that I never thought I would be challenged. I learn something new each and every time I go to class. It stretches my limits and makes me become a better student with every assignment. The professors are amazing teachers and really value their students, but in a way that makes them the best scientists they can possibly be. The professors develop relationships with their students, and fully prepare them for the challenges of graduate school.

Research/special projects I'm involved in: This past summer, I worked with the University of Nebraska Medical Center researching the effects of betaine and alcohol on creatine biosynthesis. I worked with doctors and researchers to learn more about how alcohol disrupts the metabolic pathways of the liver and possible ways to correct this disruption. My background education at Whitworth prepared me for this difficult and interesting research opportunity.

Advice for incoming students: First of all, if the first weeks of college suck, do not freak out. It gets a lot better, I promise. Next, figure out what study habits work for you before your first big final, because by the time it comes around it will be too late. But, most importantly, take advantage of how amazing Whitworth is. Talk to your professors, work with classmates, explore the Back 40, and get plugged in from the beginning.

How Whitworth is preparing me for graduate school or a career: Whitworth has tough academic standards that have prepared me to get into medical school. I am confident that I have truly learned what has been required of me instead of memorizing it and forgetting it later. Our professors require so much of us that this blunt-force memorization technique simply will not work, and, as I am currently studying for the MCAT, I am eternally grateful for that. On top of the academic rigor, Whitworth offers something that large research universities do not -– my professors know me personally. My professors know my work ethic, my background, and honestly care about my success. This is an invaluable resource when it comes to recommendations, advice, and even support when school gets overwhelming.